Kenyan Catholic Church Replaces Altar Wine with New South African Import

The Catholic Church in Kenya has discontinued the use of altar wine previously supplied by Kenya Wine Agencies Limited, introducing a new variant imported from South Africa for use in all Masses, effective immediately.

The announcement was made by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba during the 38th National Prayer Day at Subukia Shrine in Nakuru County. Speaking as Chair of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Archbishop Makumba unveiled the new wine, branded “Mass Wine”, to a gathering of nearly 60,000 worshippers at the conclusion of a six-hour liturgy.

The newly approved wine is produced by Lutzville Vineyards (RF) (Pty) Limited and carries the KCCB coat of arms and the chairman’s signature as proof of authenticity. It contains 17 percent alcohol by volume, slightly lower than the 18 percent found in the previous product. According to Church officials, the wine meets all Canon Law requirements, including being made solely from grapes and free of additives. 

Although no official reason was given during the announcement, Church sources indicate that the decision was prompted by concerns over the former wine’s widespread availability. Previously sold in supermarkets, bars, and liquor outlets, the altar wine had become indistinguishable from commercial products, raising concerns about its liturgical integrity.

“It reached a point where even non-Catholics were using it,” said Father Kibaki Robert, a Kenyan priest serving in California. “Catholics prefer to keep what is sacred exclusive to Catholic practice.”

To ensure greater control, the Church has instructed dioceses to appoint designated procurement personnel. Parishes have also been directed not to accept wine as offertory gifts. The new wine will retail at Sh1,800 per bottle, slightly more than the previous price of Sh1,700.

Distribution will vary depending on the size and needs of each diocese. Larger archdioceses such as Nairobi, Nyeri, and Mombasa are expected to consume up to 90 cartons annually, depending on the liturgical calendar. The transition has caused some uncertainty among parishioners. 

“I don’t know whether I received Holy Communion today with the old wine or the new one,” said Ruth Mwongela from Kitui Diocese. 

The Church has not confirmed when the new wine began being used at the altar.

The change also introduces economic considerations. With Kenya’s Catholic population estimated at 9.7 million as of the 2019 census, annual expenditure on altar wine runs into millions of shillings. 

Although the decision to import may raise questions about long-term sustainability, Church leaders maintain that preserving the sacrament’s sacredness remains the primary objective. The Kisumu Archdiocese is set to host the next National Prayer Day. 

Implementation of the new policy across Kenya’s 28 ecclesiastical jurisdictions will likely remain under scrutiny in the months ahead.